For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. ~Mark 10:45 [CSB]
Jesus served as the ultimate role model of adding value by serving others through His death for our sins. How can we follow His example? I want to give some thoughts from the lens of aviation and teamwork; however, the examples translate beyond flying if that’s not your professional area. Hopefully, you can make a connection through the analogies, if not, I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section.
The crew concept in aviation of pilots and crews working together to prevent mishaps reduced crashes from 1987 to 2006 by 74%. No longer does the Captain sit on high and bark commands to a crew completing operational tasks. May I suggest that during the past generation (since the 1980s) the aviation community’s culture transformed for the better following a string of several crashes illuminating poor interpersonal communication and coordination?
During Eastern 401’s December 29, 1972 approach to Miami, the Lockheed L-1011 airliner crashed while the crew fumbled with a burned-out light bulb. On March 27, 1977, at a fog-shrouded runway in the Canary Islands, a hurried KLM senior Captain took off in his 747 without tower clearance, barreling into another taxiing Pan American 747, killing 583. And on December 28, 1978, a United Airlines crew troubleshooting a minor landing gear malfunction failed to comprehend their critical fuel state and ran the jet out of fuel, crashing in a forest during early evening hours six miles short of Portland airport’s runway.
But on July 19, 1989, something changed. United flight 232 was a DC-10 jet having departed Denver with 296 souls on board en route to Philadelphia with a planned stop in Chicago. Sixty-seven minutes after takeoff the number two tail-mounted engine exploded during cruise flight at 37,000 feet. The catastrophic failure shattered all three of the jet’s hydraulic flight control systems. The crew attempted to deploy the auxiliary air-driven hydraulic system to no avail. The seasoned pilots had no way to control the DC-10 aircraft seven miles above the earth.
Captain Al Haynes and his crew masterfully worked together to use asymmetric throttle control of the wing’s engines to maneuver the plane to a controlled crash landing in cornfields adjacent to Sioux City, Iowa’s airport. While one flight attendant and 110 passengers died, 185 survived, and Captain Haynes lived to tell his story.
I met Al Haynes twice while serving in the Coast Guard; he used his United travel benefits to come and speak to aviation gatherings about crew coordination and leadership. Al was a real guy; warm and personable but driven to help others through his story. The aviation community lost Captain Haynes recently on August 26, 2019, but his legacy of humility and service lives through the tens of thousands of lives he touched in a training environment by telling his message. His focus was to be selfless and work together. It’s okay to command and lead, but be a good communicator and listener. Support the other pilot as needed. Be accurate, bold, and concise. Add value in the crew setting.
On July 19, 1989, something changed
As pilot flying (PF) fly by the numbers. Know your craft, follow the book, stay engaged and seek to teach others behind you. As pilot monitoring (PM) recognize how important the role adds value. Look for things to validate as well as correct. Not all the time, but say, that’s good, or good, or check – let your own identity shine. When things go wrong, speak up. Start gently, but don’t be afraid to be strong as the situation dictates. Good crews fly airplanes, not good pilots. And if you’re not in aviation: Think about how you fit in a bigger role or application to serve your organization and add value. How can you communicate (both listening and speaking) for value?
For pilots: Remember the folks in the back too; acknowledge, affirm, appreciate those supporting a great flight. As you integrate technology, take the time to check updates, accuracy, and utility. The presence of thought to add value makes aviation a craft, an art. Make it better. For those who follow Christ, that’s how light and salt can glorify our Father in heaven as an act of joy and worship in gratitude for His value-added sacrifice at Calvary.
Good crews fly airplanes, not good pilots
More thoughts for our friends who don’t fly or work in aviation: Adding value extends beyond the flight profession. Whether a group of college students completing service-learning projects, volunteers helping in the community, or going the extra mile because of a noted need (helping a neighbor, stray dog, lost wallet) we all have the opportunity to bless others. Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:44 to love our enemies. Paul wrote in Acts 20:35 that Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Brain scientists teach about producing dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin (the giving hormones) to counteract cortisol (the stress hormone). After going through a (very) stressful experience and surviving a fiery crash, Al Haynes told his story to thousands. His intentional and thoughtful efforts contributed to transforming crew communication during both routine and emergency operations. Captain Haynes added value to the aerospace profession, improving safety, efficiency, and profitability.
The unique person you are can be the difference between blessing and blah, marvel or mishap, routine or wreck. It may seem boring but use the checklist. Every time. Be intentional about doing the right things right, accept help with grace, and add value where God has placed you. Oh… and seek favor and blessing for others. As you give, it will return.
How do you add value to your crew, team, or setting?
Do you serve to look good or to bless others?
Flight and Faith Blog:
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